ST. PETERSBURG – Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a St. Petersburg man April 26 for felony animal cruelty after finding his dog living in “deplorable conditions.”

Deputies were called to the Caroline Trailer Court, 6418 Haines Road in unincorporated St. Petersburg at about 8:42 a.m. Saturday in reference to a found dog. When deputies arrived, they found a German Shepard mixed breed dog that appeared to be malnourished, emaciated and covered in fleas.

Deputies were able to locate the dog’s owner, Jason Leigh Aldridge, 38, who reportedly told deputies he did not know the dog had left his home.

As deputies conducted their investigation, they discovered Aldridge was feeding the dog from a plastic bag of food infested with bugs. The dog’s bed and area where dog spent the majority of his time was soiled with urine and feces. Food and water bowls were empty.

According to deputies, Aldridge told them the dog named “Rocky” was 17-years-old and his health had been deteriorating, but he had not been to a vet recently due to lack of money.

Deputies contacted Pinellas County Animal Services and staff took possession of the dog. As of April 26, “Rocky” weighed 47 pounds.

Deputies arrested Aldridge for one count of felony animal cruelty. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail where bond was set at $5,000. He was released from jail the same day.

Records at Animal Services show that Rocky is scheduled to be euthanized.